Painting a new picture of cancer

Monthly Archives: December 2013

So, what is Shades of Glam? To me it represents the concept that regardless of what nationality, creed, or religion, as women we decide how we are going to hold our heads up high regardless of the direction life has taken us each day.

In today’s world, I think it is very easy to succumb to depression and low self worth. It is also easy to become engulfed with the challenges that come up each day.

The only thing that keeps us between the mental ward, and going to our jobs each day is sometimes taking a deep breath.

The difference between being homeless on the street, and having a full fridge is just managing coupons and the “Deal of the Day.”

The difference between staying calm when we are in the midst of bad customer service and strangling someone is saying the prayer of serenity.

The difference between shaking that crazy coworker, or telling your boss off sometimes is just a quick text to your friends to allow you to vent.

When I have a bad day, I am a big advocate of trying to figure out a way to enjoy one of life’s simple pleasure. It includes a nice long shower, singing in the car to my favorite song, getting a manicure, and the list goes on. A constant factor that keeps me from completely losing my mind is sometimes as simple as talking with my friends.

When we are rushing and concentrating on getting through our day to day, we forget that we have a network of other women who understand the same issues that we face. When we isolate, it allows loneliness to creep in and take a problem that could be resolved in an hour of venting and turn it into months of depression.

Shades of Glam simple plan is to remind women that regardless of your situation, there is a network of other women who can relate, who don’t mind if you vent, and just want to see you succeed.

I have never been much of a make up person. Not because I don’t believe in it but more like I’m so awkward with it. The looks I see on tv or in magazines I was just not born to naturally create. But it might go back to the fact I can’t even draw a stick figure. And there is a reason why they call people “make up artists.”

Anyway, the one piece of makeup I have always insisted on figuring out to use is lipstick. But there are a zillion different shades. And I have had A LOT of misses. Finally, in college I found “the color” it was from the brand “wet and wild” it was great because I figured I could spare $.99 to experiment. The color was (and honestly still is my go to color )blackest red.
I put that color on and I instantly felt queen of the world. Even if the rest of me looked like crapola. It was as if the lipstick was my super power and it gave me the power of self esteem. It got to the point that when I didn’t wear it people would first ask me if I wasn’t feeling well. (I’m not sure if that is a good or bad thing)
Now that was over 15 years ago, where this relationship started. I have spoken before in prior post about feeling vain. Or at least realizing Cancer has brought out my vanity. But even today, as I go for testing, a work meeting, or any new situation that I’m unsure of myself…. I make sure I don’t forget the lipstick.
I know there is nothing powerful in the tube but it unleashes something in me. And not to overuse “fake it to make it”, it does give me courage and if nothing else I will look great. Lololol